Air fryer smoking during use

Symptoms

• White or gray smoke coming from vents
• Burning smell during cooking
• Smoke worse with fatty or greasy foods
• Smoke even when cooking dry foods

Likely causes

• CommonGrease or food residue burning on the heating elementSplattered fat from previous or current cooking drips onto the hot element and burns.
• CommonCooking very fatty foods without enough basket capacityExcess rendered fat can pool and smoke, especially with bacon or wings.
• CommonBasket or tray not cleaned after previous useLeftover crumbs and grease char on subsequent uses.
• PossibleUsing the air fryer for the first time (new appliance smell)A light smoke or odor on first use, from manufacturing residue, is normal and should stop after a few uses.
• Less commonDamaged non-stick coating burningA scratched or peeling coating can smoke when heated.

What to do

1. Turn off and unplug the air fryer immediately if you see smoke, and let it cool with the basket pulled out slightly to ventilate.
2. Once cool, remove the basket and tray and wash thoroughly with warm soapy water, checking for grease buildup on the heating element area.
3. Add a tablespoon or two of water to the bottom of the basket drawer when cooking fatty foods to prevent grease from smoking.
4. Avoid overfilling the basket, especially with high-fat foods like bacon, sausage, or wings.
5. Inspect the non-stick coating for scratches or peeling and stop using the basket if damaged.
6. If smoke continues even from a clean, unscratched basket with normal food loads, discontinue use and have the unit inspected or replaced, since a persistent smoke source could indicate an electrical fault.

Tools and parts

• Dish soap
• Sponge

When to call a pro

If smoke continues from a properly cleaned unit with no visible food or grease cause, stop using it and replace it rather than risk an electrical issue.

Safety